South Africa Successful as World Cup Host
Their job is done. South Africa proved to be a gracious host of the World Cup, defying skeptics who predicted disaster.
The final at Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg on Sunday capped off the tournament in front of a capacity crowd of over 84,000 people and 750 million viewers worldwide. Nelson Mandela made his much awaited appearance after he had to miss the opening ceremony due to a family tragedy.
The world and Soccer City saw Spain win its first title by defeating the Netherlands 1-0 in extra time.
The world famous Mandela brought cheers from the crowd as he rode onto the field with his wife Graca Machel to bring an inspiring end to Africa’s first World Cup.
FIFA president Sepp Blatter, who strongly supported the South African bid to host, gave the country high praises for its hosting job. Blatter gave the country a nine out of ten, claiming there’s no such thing as a perfect mark and South Africa got the highest grade possible.
“Africa has proven that really they can organize this World Cup...they can be proud," Blatter said.
The president of FIFA also added that the World Cup has changed the world’s perception of the continent.
South Africa has shown what it can accomplish as a nation and now they’ll try to apply the lessons learned from the World Cup for the every day life in the country.
The social needs of the country should now be addressed as the tournament proved that the nation can be united.
"FIFA World Cup 2010 has opened the eyes of the world to what we have to offer, while simultaneously reminding South Africans what is possible. It is a sublime combination, rich with opportunities we dare not waste," said The Business Day.
The country now has to get to work in improving the living of its citizens. The country has an overwhelmingly high unemployment rate and there is still racial division in the country.
"This has been a wonderful World Cup, but it doesn't negate the fact that the majority of South Africans don't have houses, schools, clinics, running water and many more things," retired archbishop Desmond Tutu told The Times.
President Jacob Zuma sees the World Cup as a positive sign to what the country can accomplish if it is committed to change for the better.
"To just present a new South Africa that we dreamt about when Mandela walked out of prison in 1990 becoming a reality in 2010, and that was special," said the top organizer Danny Jordaan, also a veteran of the struggle against the white-minority apartheid regime.
Many were skeptical of South Africa being hosts to the world’s biggest tournament due to its high crime rate and chaotic public transport. Skeptics felt the country was not an appropriate host of the tournament but they invested $40 billion to make sure they fulfilled their duties as the host.
More than 40,000 police officers were on duty throughout the tournament and prevented the killing of any football fans. There were departments specialized in World Cup crimes. Many offenses were petty crimes and were not a major problem.
Due to the improved public transportation system, many South Africans left their cars at home, which is a first for the country.
Overall attendance for the tournament was estimated at over three million, as reported by FIFA. Television records are also expected to rise which is good news for everybody.
Another World Cup has gone by and South Africa has proven what it can do when change is required. A lot of good lessons can be taken out of this World Cup and has officially validated South Africa as a viable host for future World Cups. Mission accomplished South Africa!
Tags: